INSIDE THE JULY 2023 ISSUE: Americans Showing Up for Summer Vacation p. 3 Speaker Trainer has People Talking p. 6
Ham Operator Bob Wertz Makes Award-Winning Contact p. 14
Ill-Prepared Couple Bicycles Across Country p. 8
Public Art Promoting Community Character p. 18
Historic Move for Affordable Housing Families connected to century-old home gather, share memories By Bonnie Stevens, FBN
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ostalgia for days gone by mixed with gratitude for historic preservation and affordable housing solutions filled the warm summer air as members of three Flagstaff families came together unexpectedly to watch the century-old home that had been an important part of their lives move to
another neighborhood downtown. Homeowner Helene Babbitt, who, with her husband, the late Jim Babbitt, bought the house at 12 N. Hillside in 1995, donated the home to Townsite CLT. The local non-profit organization will preserve the 103-year-old, two-bedroom, one-bath bungalow and make it available as affordable housing in Flagstaff. “Jim and I talked about moving the
house years ago,” said Helene. “I live across the street from it. I wanted a smaller house, a house that wouldn’t need repairs for the next 20 years.” Helene called up Townsite CLT Executive Director Duffie Westheimer to see if the organization was interested in the house. “She didn’t skip a beat. She said, ‘Yes!’ and everything fell right into place. “This is one more piece of history that will be maintained,” said Helene, noting that Jim had a deep love for Flagstaff and was a major force in the town’s historic preservation. “It came
Plant-Based Legacy Continuing at Morning Glory Café p. 10
to my attention how housing prices are really difficult for many people. It makes me happy to know that this home will be cared for and lived in for years to come.” Among the small gathering were three generations of Babbitts: Helene, her son, Charles, along with his wife, Traleigh, and their four daughters, Britania, 7, Isla, 8, Kalista, 14, and Stella, 17, who was born in the house. “This meant so much to my grandma [Helene],” said Stella Babbitt, who will be attending Arizona State Continued on page 28
PLEASE BE FIRE
AWARE
1. Check for campfire restrictions before you go. 2. Properly dispose of cigarettes.
3. Don’t let chains drag. 4. Leave no trace.
WE’RE COUNTING ON YOU! DISCOVERFLAGSTAFF.COM
Following the Dream of Travel Avenues of the World celebrates 30 years of helping people explore the planet
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Avenues of the World owners Yves and Monika Leuenberger, shown here with their dog, Zorro, travel the globe and share their knowledge and tips with clients. Courtesy photo
July 2023 | Issue 7 Volume 16
By Betsey Bruner, FBN
ake Lugano, Switzerland, 1977: Two children, Yves, 6, and Monika, 10, are frolicking in the water, swimming and floating on air mattresses. Their families, all Swiss citizens, are vacationing in adjoining homes for the summer. Forty-six years later, Yves and Monika Leuenberger, married since 1997, are still sharing adventures together, and bringing friends and clients along for the ride. The vehicle for all this fun is their Avenues of the World Travel agency on East Cedar Ave. in Flagstaff, which will be celebrating 30 years of business in November. They’ve already had their anniversary business party, as they will be in Africa in November. “We are celebrating now because the weather is nice, and we were all around,” said Yves. The country of Switzerland remains at the heart of their lives and business. Monika recently has
been recognized by Condé Nast Traveler magazine as a 2023 travel specialist for Switzerland. “It’s a very special recognition that goes to only a few advisors per year,” he noted. Monika came first to the U.S and settled with her first husband in Flagstaff and started working at a travel agency in town. On November 3, 1993, she went into business partnership with two clients, Joe and Connie Levesque. After her first marriage ended, Yves would visit her in Flagstaff. “Our entire families are so close,” he said. “We visit each other when traveling. When you’re in the Western part of the U.S., you visit Monika.” The couple kept in touch long distance and grew closer. “The fourth visit in 1995 was when the two magic wires were put together,” Yves recalled about their relationship. He came to live in Flagstaff in 1996. They bought out their partners over the years. “Now it’s just our business,” Monika said. “We’ve been all over Flagstaff – Route 66, Fourth Street and now at this location on Cedar for six years.” Continued on page 35